The cost of owning a car is rising in Spain
Owning and using a private car in Spain is becoming increasingly expensive. The data confirms that citizens are allocating a larger portion of their personal economy to ensure their mobility on wheels. This phenomenon is due to multiple factors that impact from acquisition to day-to-day use. 🚗
Fiscal and insurance pressure shows no signs of easing
Taxes constitute one of the most significant fixed expenses. The Road Tax, managed by local councils, and the Registration Tax, which taxes vehicles with higher emissions, represent a considerable annual expense. To this chapter is added the car insurance, whose price is permanently adjusted upward according to the driver's history, the car model, accident rate, and repair costs.
Key components of fixed expenses:- Road Tax: Annual municipal tax that every vehicle owner must pay.
- Registration Tax: One-time payment applied when buying new cars based on their CO2 emissions.
- Insurance policy: Variable cost that rises due to accident frequency and increasing repair costs.
Personal mobility has a price that is becoming increasingly clear and rising.
Refueling and maintaining the vehicle add to the bill
Spending on fuel or energy is the most volatile and noticeable for drivers. Gasoline and diesel prices fluctuate, but the heavy tax burden on them keeps their cost at high levels. At the same time, keeping the car operational requires periodic inspections and dealing with breakdowns, whose prices are also progressing. Components like tires, brake pads, or oil changes contribute to the final total.
Rising variable expenses:- Fuel/Electricity: Recurrent expense highly sensitive to taxes and the international market.
- Repairs and breakdowns: Labor and spare parts costs continue to increase.
- Periodic maintenance: Includes changing filters, fluids, and wear items to keep the vehicle in good condition.
A scenario that invites rethinking mobility
For a growing number of people, the economic equation is starting to include the option of using their own car less or considering shared usage models. However, the dependence on private vehicles in many areas, especially those with limited public transport, makes this decision not straightforward. The price of traveling independently follows an upward trajectory. 📈